BATTLE OF TURIN 1706 - REGIMENT (BAVARIAN) BERTRAND AKA (FUTURE) ROYAL - BAVIERE

I’ve been going through some of the regiments listed in the complete French Order of Battle, looking for the most interesting ones. Among the units present during the siege, I came across one that immediately caught my attention. In Annales Sabaudiae, Vol. III, one of the besieging regiments is described as a Bavarian unit and is referred to as the Bertrand Regiment. 

My initial research into a Bavarian regiment called "Bertrand" produced no historical evidence or references whatsoever. My intuition was to investigate the history of the Royal-Bavière Regiment, founded in 1707, to see whether there might be a connection with this seemingly "phantom" regiment.

I am pleased to say that this approach proved successful. Not only did I find the missing link, but I also uncovered several very interesting historical details.

Kingdom of France - Regiment of Baviera "Beltrand" (1706) or Royal - Bavière (1707)

A (sort of Bavarian) regiment  was raised on 14 March 1706 in Italy by Brigadier Joseph de Saint-Jure, Chevalier de Mercy. It was initially formed from Bavarian prisoners of war, held in the prisons of Pavia, Cremona, and Alessandria that were set free when these towns fell under the controlo of the French. The regiment entered French service and pay, consisting of two battalions. By 26 June 1706, it already numbered 70 officers and 492 men. On 7 July, it was stationed at Asti, where it was preparing to march to Hungary. However, instead of being transferred, it fought at the Battle of Turin on 7 September 1706. Following the battle, its strength had been reduced to approximately 400 men. 

Kingdom of France - Regiment of Baviera "Beltrand" (1706) or Royal - Bavière (1707). Ufficiale